Method of collecting refuse

Abstract

A method of collecting refuse including the steps of moving a first semi-trailer having a frame carrying a refuse collection body to a transfer site and coupling it to a fifth wheel of a vehicle. Refuse is deposited into the refuse collection body by engaging a refuse container with a loading mechanism carried by one of the first semi-trailer and vehicle. The first semi-trailer is then uncoupled from the vehicle at the transfer site and a second semi-trailer is coupled to the vehicle for further refuse collection. The second semi-trailer is returned to the transfer site and uncoupled. The first and second semi-trailers are then transported to a disposal site by coupling the vehicle to the first semi-trailer and attaching the second semi-trailer to a dolly. The dolly is coupled to the first semi-trailer.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of collecting refuse comprising the steps of: coupling a first semi-trailer having a frame carrying a refuse collection body, to a vehicle having a fifth wheel;   depositing refuse into said refuse collection body by engaging and emptying a refuse container with a loading mechanism carried by one of said vehicle and said first semi-trailer;   uncoupling said first semi-trailer from said vehicle at a transfer site when said first semi-trailer contains refuse;   coupling a second semi-trailer to said vehicle for further refuse collection;   collecting refuse within said second semi-trailer;   returning to said transfer site and uncoupling said second semi-trailer;   coupling one of said first and second semi-trailers to a dolly;   coupling said dolly to the other one of said first and second semi-trailers; and   transporting said first and second semi-trailers to a disposal site.   
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of transporting includes coupling the vehicle to the first and second semi-trailers. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of transporting includes coupling a tow vehicle to the first and second semi-trailers. 
     
     
       4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second semi-trailer includes a frame carrying a rail mechanism and a hoist mechanism. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the step of collecting refuse includes: depositing a roll off body at a collection site;   receiving refuse therein; and   loading the roll off body on the second semi-trailer.